Game machine and method for controlling game machine

ABSTRACT

Control is performed to determine whether or not a predicted game outcome inputted by an input device coincides with an actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-047986 filed on Feb. 27, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a game machine which provides awards or credits when a game outcome predicted by a player coincides with an actual game outcome, and a method for controlling the game machine.

2. Description of the Related Art

A so-called roulette device is described in International Patent Publication No. WO 04/094013. This roulette device repeatedly executes roulette games. In the roulette game, a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets having numbers previously attached thereto is rotated. At the same time, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel. Thereafter, the ball is received in any one of the pockets.

Before the roulette game starts, the player predicts in which one of the pockets the ball will be received and bets credits on the predicted pocket. A predetermined number of credits are paid out to the player when the pocket on which the credits are bet coincides with the pocket having the ball received therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

However, the roulette device described above repeats only processing of executing the roulette games and paying out credits when the pocket predicted by the player coincides with the pocket having the ball received therein. Due to such repetition, the roulette device has a problem that the player tends to find the game monotonous. Thus, a game machine having new entertainment properties has been desired.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a game machine having new entertainment properties, and a method for controlling the game machine.

In order to achieve the foregoing object, a game machine according to a first aspect of the present invention includes: a game execution device executing a unit game to obtain a game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the unit game; an input device for inputting a predicted game outcome from among the predetermined game outcomes, before the unit game starts; and a controller operable to: a) control the game execution device to repeatedly execute the unit game; b) store the predicted game outcomes for the plurality of unit games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of unit games, respectively; c) store actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of unit games, in association with the plurality of unit games, respectively; d) determine, whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of unit games; and e) provide an award based on the determination result.

The game machine according to the first aspect described above has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of unit games, it is determined whether or not each of the predicted game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

A game machine according to a second aspect of the present invention includes: a roulette device executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; an input device for inputting a predicted game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; and a controller operable to: a) control the roulette device to repeatedly execute the roulette game; b) store the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; c) store actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; d) determine, each of the plurality of roulette games, whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome; and e) provide an award based on the determination result.

The game machine according to the second aspect described above has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of roulette games, it is determined whether or not each of the predicted game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

A game machine according to a third aspect of the present invention includes: a roulette device executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; an input device for inputting, a predicted game outcomes from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; a correspondence table showing a correspondence relationship between each of the predicted game outcomes inputted by the input device, and a data concerning levels of awards to be provided and a controller operable to: a) control the roulette device to repeatedly execute the roulette game; b) store the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; c) store actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; d) determine whether or not the predicted game outcomes inputted by the input device coincide with the actual game outcomes for each of the plurality of roulette games; e) determine an award to be provided based on the determination result and the correspondence table; and f) provide the determined award.

The game machine according to the third aspect described above has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of roulette games, it is determined whether or not each of the predicted game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

Furthermore, according to the third aspect, the level of the award to be provided is determined based on the correspondence table. Thus, the award to be provided can be quickly determined.

A game machine according to a forth aspect of the present invention includes: a roulette device executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; an input device for inputting, a predicted game outcomes from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; and a controller operable to: a) control the roulette device to repeatedly execute the roulette game; b) store the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with a plurality of the roulette games, respectively; c) store actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; d) determine whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of roulette games; e) randomly determine a level of an award to be provided based on the determination result; and f) provide the determined award.

The game machine according to the fourth aspect described above has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of roulette games, it is determined whether or not each of the predicted game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect, the level of the award to be provided is randomly determined. Thus, it is possible to allow a player to have expectation and anxiety about how many credits he/she can get this time. As a result, the player's interest in the roulette game can be maintained.

A method for controlling a game machine according to a fifth aspect of the present invention includes: repeatedly executing a unit game to obtain a game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes; enabling an input device to be used to input a predicted game outcome from among the predetermined game outcomes before the unit game starts; storing the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of unit games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of unit games, respectively; storing actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of unit games in association with the plurality of unit games, respectively; determining, whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of unit games; and providing an award based on the determination result.

The game machine according to the fifth aspect described above has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of unit games, it is determined whether or not each of the predicted game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

A method for controlling a game machine according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes: repeatedly executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; enabling an input device to be used to input a predicted game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; storing the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; storing actual game outcomes respectively obtained from the plurality of roulette games, in association with the plurality of roulette games; determining, for each of the plurality of roulette games, whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome; and providing an award based on the determination result.

The method according to the sixth aspect described above has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of roulette games, it is determined whether or not each of the predicted game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

A method for controlling a game machine according to a seventh aspect of the present invention includes: repeatedly executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; enabling an input device to be used to input a predicted game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; storing the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; storing actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; determining whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of roulette games; determining a level of an award to be provided based on the determination result and a correspondence table showing a correspondence relationship between each of the game outcomes inputted by use of the input device, and the level of the award to be provided; and providing the determined award.

The method according to the seventh aspect described above has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of roulette games, it is determined whether or not each of the predicted game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect, the level of the award to be provided is determined based on the correspondence table. Thus, the award to be provided can be quickly determined.

A method for controlling a game machine according to a eighth aspect of the present invention includes: repeatedly executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; enabling an input device to be used to input a predicted game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game before the roulette game starts; storing the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; storing actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; determining whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of roulette games; randomly determining a level of an award to be provided based on the determination result; and providing the determined award.

The method according to the eighth aspect described above has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of roulette games, it is determined whether or not each of the predicted game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, an award is provided based on the determination result.

Furthermore, according to the eighth aspect, the level of the award to be provided is randomly determined. Thus, it is possible to allow a player to have expectation and anxiety about how many credits he/she can get this time. As a result, the player's interest in the roulette game can be maintained.

The present invention has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of unit games, it is determined whether or not each of the game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, credits are paid out based on the determination result.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing a process performed by a game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a roulette device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an external perspective view schematically showing a configuration of the game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on an image display device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a roulette game machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing storage areas in a ROM according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the correspondence table according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing storage areas in a RAM according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of the roulette device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing storage areas in the ROM according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an outline of game processes performed in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an outline of game processes performed in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing an outline of game processes performed in the gaming machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 is a flowchart schematically showing processing performed by a game machine 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In Step S200, the game machine 1 executes more than one roulette game. In the roulette game, while a roulette wheel 22 is rotated, a ball 27 is launched onto the roulette wheel 22. Thereafter, the ball 27 is received in any one of pockets. Note that one roulette game starts when processing of Step S104 to be described later is started and the roulette game is finished when processing of Step S111 to be described later is finished.

In Step S201, the game machine 1 determines whether or not a condition that first to third special desired number groups are bet is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the processing advances to Step S202. On the other hand, if the condition is not satisfied, the processing is terminated. Here, the first to third special desired number groups represent number groups on which a player makes bets in three respective roulette games. Each of the number groups includes one or a plurality of numbers. The player predicts a number of a ball housing pocket and bets medals on the number group including the number. The ball housing pocket shows the number of the pocket having the ball received therein.

In Step S202, the game machine 1 determines whether or not a condition that all the first to third special desired number groups coincide with three ball housing numbers is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the processing advances to Step S203. On the other hand, if the condition is not satisfied, the processing is terminated. When the number group on which the medals are bet by the player includes the number of the ball housing pocket, the number group on which the medals are bet by the player coincides with the ball housing number. In Step S203, the game machine 1 pays out the medals. Thereafter, the game machine 1 terminates the processing.

It should be note that medals are used as a game medium to execute the roulette game for explaining the embodiment of the present invention hereinafter, however, the game medium is not limited in particular to the medal. Instead, coins, bills, and game media including electronic value information equivalent thereto can be used, for example. Further, a game media to be provided is also not limited to those described above. In other wards, the game media can be awards with various levels or the like corresponding to outcomes of the roulette game.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a roulette device 3 (game execution device). FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing the game machine 1. Note that the game machine 1 is a stand-alone game machine that is not connected to a network. However, the present invention can also be applied to a game machine connected to the network.

As shown in FIG. 2, the roulette device 3 included in the game machine 1 includes a frame 21 fixed to a chassis 2 (see FIG. 3) and the roulette wheel 22 rotatably received and supported inside the frame 21. On an upper surface of the roulette wheel 22, a number of (a total of 38 in this embodiment) concave number pockets 23 are formed. Furthermore, any of the numbers “0”, “00” and “1” to “36” is set in each of the number pockets 23. The numbers set in the respective number pockets 23 are displayed on number boards 25 formed on the outside of the respective number pockets 23. These numbers belong to either of two color groups, a red group and a black group. The number boards 25 each are colored in red or black (each of the colors is indicated by presence or absence of hatching. Specifically, the portions with hatching represent black and the portions without hatching represent red). The color of each of the number boards 25 indicates the color group to which the number displayed on the number board 25 belongs.

Inside the frame 21, a ball throw-in slot 36 is formed. A ball throw-in device 104 (see FIG. 16) is connected to the ball throw-in slot 36. Along with driving of the ball throw-in device 104, the ball 27 is thrown onto the roulette wheel 22 from the ball throw-in slot 36. Moreover, the entire roulette device 3 is covered with a hemispherical cover member 28 (see FIG. 3) that is made of transparent acrylic.

Below the roulette wheel 22, a wheel driving motor 106 (see FIG. 16) is provided. Along with driving of the wheel driving motor 106, the roulette wheel 22 is rotated.

Moreover, metal plates (not shown) are attached at predetermined intervals below the roulette wheel 22. These metal plates are detected by a proximity sensor included in a pocket position detection circuit 107 (see FIG. 16), thereby enabling detection of positions of the number pockets 23.

The frame 21 is gradually tilted toward the inside and has a guide wall 29 formed in its intermediate portion. The guide wall 29 allows the ball 27 thrown to roll while guiding the ball against centrifugal force. As the centrifugal force is reduced along with slowing down of the rotation speed of the roulette wheel, the ball 27 rolls down the slope of the frame 21 toward the inside and reaches the rotating roulette wheel 22. Thereafter, the ball 27 rolling onto the roulette wheel 22 is received in any one of the number pockets 23 after passing the number boards 25 on the outside of the roulette wheel 22. As a result, the number set in the number pocket 23 (hereinafter also referred to as a “ball housing pocket”) in which the ball is received is determined by a ball sensor 105. The number of the ball housing pocket will be hereinafter also referred to as a “ball housing number”.

Next, a configuration of the game machine 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the game machine 1 includes: the chassis 2 to be a main body part; the roulette device 3 provided in an approximately center portion of an upper surface of the chassis 2; a plurality of (12 in this embodiment) stations 4 placed so as to surround the roulette device 3; and an electronic display unit 5 provided above the chassis 2.

Each of the stations 4 has at least: a medal insertion slot 6 into which coins or currency values of game media such as chips or medals used for games are inserted; a control part 7 formed of a plurality of control buttons and the like, which are used by the player to input predetermined instructions; and an image display device 8 which displays images associated with a roulette game. The station 4 accepts a bet made by the player. The player can proceed with the roulette game to be developed by operating a touch panel, the control part 7 and the like while looking at the images displayed on the image display device 8.

Moreover, in each of side faces of the chassis 2 on which the stations 4 are placed, medal payout openings 9 are provided, respectively. Furthermore, a speaker 10 which emits music, sound effects and the like is provided above an upper right corner of the image display device 8 in each of the stations 4.

A WIN lamp 11 is provided above the image display device 8 in each station 4. When there is a station 4 in which medals are bet on the number group (to be described later) that includes the ball housing number, the WIN lamp 11 of the station 4 is turned on. Moreover, the WIN lamp 11 of the station 4 in which a jackpot (hereinafter also referred to as a “JP”) is obtained in a JP bonus game for obtaining the JP is also turned on in the same manner. Note that the WIN lamp 11 is provided at a position visible from all the stations 4 placed (12 stations in this embodiment). Thus, other players playing games with the same game machine 1 can always check turning on of the WIN lamp.

Inside the medal insertion slot 6, a medal sensor (not shown) is provided. The medal sensor identifies currency values of the medals or the like which are inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 and counts the inserted medals. Moreover, a hopper (not shown) is provided inside the medal payout opening 9, and used to payout a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout opening 9.

A server 13 is disposed inside a corner portion 12 positioned at a corner of the chassis 2. The server 13 is normally housed inside the corner portion 12 so as not to be operated by the player. However, the server 13 can be operated by using a key switch to open a corner door 14 provided in the corner portion 12. Various settings for the game machine 1 can be made by operating the server 13.

In the electronic display unit 5, a JP amount display unit 15 is provided, which displays a JP amount (specifically, the number of credits for JP to be described later). In the game machine 1, three kinds of JPs, “MEGA”, “MAJOR” and “MINI”, are prepared as described later. As credits for “MEGA” (hereinafter also referred to as “MEGA credits”), the game machine 1 cumulatively stores 0.15% of the medals bet at all the twelve stations 4. As credits for “MAJOR” (hereinafter also referred to as “MAJOR credits”), the game machine 1 cumulatively stores 0.20% of the medals bet at all the twelve stations 4. As credits for “MINI” (hereinafter also referred to as “MINI credits”), the game machine 1 cumulatively stores 0.30% of the medals bet at all the twelve stations 4. Hereinafter, “MEGA credits”, “MAJOR credits” and “MINI credits” will be simply referred to as “JP credits”.

The game machine 1 determines whether or not to payout the JP credits. When it is determined that the JP credits are to be paid out, determinations are made as to for which station 4 the JP credits are to be paid out and which JP credits are to be paid out.

On the JP amount display unit 15, a JP accumulated amount for “MEGA” (in other words, the number of credits for MEGA) among the three kinds of JPs is displayed. Note that the JP amount display unit 15 is provided in a top portion of the electronic display unit 5. Thus, contents displayed on the JP amount display unit 15 are visible to all the players playing games at the stations 4.

FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of an image displayed on the image display device. As shown in FIG. 4, during a roulette game, a BET screen 61 having a bet operation panel 60 is displayed on the image display device 8. The player can bet medals (credits) he/she has by operating a touch panel 50 (input device) provided on a front surface of the image display device 8.

First, with reference to FIG. 4, the BET screen 61 displayed during the game will be described. On the bet operation panel 60 displayed on the BET screen 61, 38 kinds of numbers “0”, “00” and “1” to “36” are arranged and displayed in a grid pattern. Moreover, particular BET areas for betting chips by specifying “odd numbers”, “even numbers”, “color type of number board (red or black)” or “a certain number range (for example, “1” to “12” and the like)” are also arranged similarly in a grid pattern.

The player uses the bet operation panel 60 to input the number group. Specifically, the player predicts the number of the ball housing pocket and inputs the number group including the predicted number. If the number of the ball housing pocket is included in the number group inputted by the player, medals are paid out. In each of the number groups, a base payout rate is set. The base payout rate is used to determine the number of medals to be paid out in a base game. The base game will be described later.

The bet operation panel 60 includes straight bet panels 60 a, column bet panels 60 c to 60 e, dozen bet panels 60 f to 60 h and even bet panels 60 i to 60 p. On the straight bet panels 60 a, red or black oval circles are drawn. In a center of each of the oval circles, any of the numbers “0”, “00” and “1” to “36” is drawn. The color of the oval circle indicates a color group to which the number drawn in its center belongs. Each of the numbers drawn on the straight bet panels 60 a corresponds to the number group including only the number. For example, the straight bet panel 60 a having “1” drawn thereon corresponds to the number group including only “1”. When the player wishes to input the number group including a single number, he/she presses the straight bet panel 60 a indicating the number. The operation of pressing the straight bet panel 60 a is also called a “straight bet operation”. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 35 (35 to 1 odds). In the following description, a vertical direction means a direction of a straight line passing through the straight bet panel 60 a having “1” drawn thereon and the column bet panel 60 e. A horizontal direction means a direction of a straight line passing through the straight bet panel 60 a having “1” drawn thereon and the straight bet panel 60 a having “3” drawn thereon. An upward direction means a direction from the straight bet panel 60 a having “1” drawn thereon, to the straight bet panel 60 a having “3” drawn thereon. A downward direction means a direction from the straight bet panel 60 a having “3” drawn thereon, to the straight bet panel 60 a having “1” drawn thereon from.

On the column bet panels 60 c to 60 e, characters “2 to 1” are drawn. The column bet panel 60 c corresponds to a straight bet panel array in the vertical direction passing through the column bet panel 60 c (in other words, an array including the straight bet panels having “3”, “6” and “9” to “36” drawn thereon (except the straight bet panel 60 a having “00” drawn thereon)). Specifically, the column bet panel 60 c corresponds to a number group including all the numbers drawn on the straight bet panel array (in other words, a number group including “3”, “6” and “9” to “36”). If the player wishes to input the number group including all the numbers drawn on the column bet panel 60 c, he/she presses the column bet panel 60 c. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 2 (2 to 1 odds).

The column bet panel 60 d corresponds to a straight bet panel array in the vertical direction passing through the column bet panel 60 d (in other words, an array including the straight bet panels having “2”, “5” and “8” to “35” drawn thereon (except the straight bet panels 60 a having “0” and “00” drawn thereon)). Specifically, the column bet panel 60 d corresponds to a number group including all the numbers drawn on the straight bet panel array (in other words, a number group including “2”, “5” and “8” to “35”). If the player wishes to input the number group including all the numbers drawn on the column bet panel 60 d, he/she presses the column bet panel 60 d. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 2 (2 to 1 odds).

The column bet panel 60 e corresponds to a straight bet panel array in the vertical direction passing through the column bet panel 60 e (in other words, an array including the straight bet panels having “1”, “4” and “7” to “34” drawn thereon (except the straight bet panel 60 a having “0” drawn thereon)). Specifically, the column bet panel 60 e corresponds to a number group including all the numbers drawn on the straight bet panel array (in other words, a number group including “1”, “4” and “7” to “34”). If the player wishes to input the number group including all the numbers drawn on the column bet panel 60 e, he/she presses the column bet panel 60 e. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 2 (2 to 1 odds). The operation of pressing each of the column bet panels 60 c to 60 e is also called a “column bet operation”.

On the dozen bet panel 60 f, characters “1st 12” are drawn. “1^(st) 12” means “1” to “12”. Therefore, the dozen bet panel 60 f corresponds to a number group including “1” to “12”. If the player wishes to input the number group including “1” to “12”, he/she presses the dozen bet panel 60 f. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 2 (2 to 1 odds).

On the dozen bet panel 60 g, characters “2nd 12” are drawn. “2^(nd) 12” means “13” to “24”. Therefore, the dozen bet panel 60 g corresponds to a number group including “13” to “24”. If the player wishes to input the number group including “13” to “24”, he/she presses the dozen bet panel 60 g. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 2 (2 to 1 odds).

On the dozen bet panel 60 h, characters “3rd 12” are drawn. “3^(rd) 12” means “25” to “36”. Therefore, the dozen bet panel 60 h corresponds to a number group including “25” to “36”. If the player wishes to input the number group including “25” to “36”, he/she presses the dozen bet panel 60 h. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 2 (2 to 1 odds). Note that the operation of pressing each of the dozen bet panels 60 f to 60 h is also called a “dozen bet operation”.

On the even bet panel 60 i, characters “1 to 18” are drawn. “1 to 18” means “1” to “18”. Therefore, the even bet panel 60 i corresponds to a number group including “1” to “18”. If the player wishes to input the number group including “1” to “18”, he/she presses the even bet panel 60 i. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 1 (1 to 1 odds).

On the even bet panel 60 j, a word “EVEN” is drawn. “EVEN” means “even numbers”. Therefore, the even bet panel 60 j corresponds to a number group including all the “even numbers”. If the player wishes to input the number group including all the even numbers, he/she presses the even bet panel 60 j. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 1 (1 to 1 odds).

On the even bet panel 60 k, a red diamond shape is drawn. Therefore, the even bet panel 60 k corresponds to a number group including all the numbers belonging to a red group. If the player wishes to input the number group including all the numbers belonging to the red group, he/she presses the even bet panel 60 k. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 1 (1 to 1 odds).

On the even bet panel 60 m, a black diamond shape is drawn. Therefore, the even bet panel 60 m corresponds to a number group including all the numbers belonging to a black group. If the player wishes to input the number group including all the numbers belonging to the black group, he/she presses the even bet panel 60 m. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 1 (1 to 1 odds).

On the even bet panel 60 n, a word “ODD” is drawn. “ODD” means “odd numbers”. Therefore, the even bet panel 60 n corresponds to a number group including all the “odd numbers”. If the player wishes to input the number group including all the odd numbers, he/she presses the even bet panel 60 n. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 1 (1 to 1 odds).

On the even bet panel 60 p, characters “19 to 36” are drawn. “19 to 36” means “19” to “36”. Therefore, the even bet panel 60 p corresponds to a number group including “19” to “36”. If the player wishes to input the number group including “19” to “36”, he/she presses the even bet panel 60 p. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 1 (1 to 1 odds). Note that the operation of pressing each of the even bet panels 60 i to 60 p is also called an “even bet operation”.

Meanwhile, there are various number groups that can be inputted by the player, besides those described above. A frame border 60 b is used to input such other number groups.

Specifically, in the frame border 60 b, a portion (hereinafter also referred to as a “split bet corresponding portion”) which constitutes a boundary line between two adjacent straight bet panels 60 a (for example, the straight bet panel 60 a having “3” drawn thereon and the straight bet panel 60 a having “6” drawn thereon) corresponds to a number group including the numbers drawn on the two straight bet panels 60 a. If the player wishes to input the number group described above, he/she presses the split bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 17 (17 to 1 odds). Note that the operation of pressing the split bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b is also called a “split bet operation”.

In the frame border 60 b, a portion (hereinafter also referred to as a “street bet corresponding portion”) which passes through an upper end of a straight bet panel array in the horizontal direction (for example, a straight bet panel array including the straight bet panels 60 a having “1”, “2” and “3” drawn thereon. Such a panel array will be hereinafter referred to as a “street bet panel array”) corresponds to a number group including all the numbers drawn on the street bet panel array. If the player wishes to input the number group described above, he/she presses the street bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 11 (11 to 1 odds). Note that the operation of pressing the street bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b is also called a “street bet operation”.

Four straight bet panels 60 a in contact with each other (for example, straight bet panels 60 a having “1”, “2”, “4” and “5” drawn thereon. A group of such straight bet panels 60 a will be hereinafter referred to as a “corner bet group”) come into contact with each other at one point (hereinafter also referred to as a “corner bet corresponding portion”) on the frame border 60 b. This point corresponds to a number group including all the numbers drawn on the panels in the corner bet group. If the player wishes to input the number group described above, he/she presses the corner bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 8 (8 to 1 odds). Note that the operation of pressing the corner bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b is also called a “corner bet operation”.

In the frame border 60 b, an upper end portion (hereinafter also referred to as a “five bet corresponding portion”) in the frame border 60 b passing between a street bet panel array including the straight bet panels 60 a having “0” and “00” drawn thereon and a street bet panel array including the straight bet panels 60 a having “1”, “2” and “3” drawn thereon corresponds to a number group including all the numbers drawn on the two street bet panel arrays. If the player wishes to input the number group described above, he/she presses the five bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 6 (6 to 1 odds). Note that the operation of pressing the five bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b is also called a “five bet operation”.

In the frame border 60 b, an upper end portion (except the “five bet corresponding portion” described above, hereinafter also referred to as a “line bet corresponding portion”) in the frame border 60 b passing between two adjacent street bet panel arrays (for example, a street bet panel array having “1”, “2” and “3” drawn thereon and a street bet panel array having “4”, “5” and “6” drawn thereon) corresponds to a number group including all the numbers drawn on the two street bet panel arrays. If the player wishes to input the number group described above, he/she presses the line bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b. The base payout rate set for the number group described above is 5 (5 to 1 odds). Note that the operation of pressing the line bet corresponding portion in the frame border 60 b is also called a “line bet operation”.

A determination result display area 62, a special game bet number display area 63, special game bet buttons 64 and 64 a to 64 c and a payback medal number display area 70 are displayed on the right of the bet operation panel 60.

When a player bets medals on a special game, which will be described later, in the determination result display area 62, the respective outcomes of the three preceding roulette games from the current game are displayed, that is, the outcomes on whether or not the number group on which the player bets coincides with the ball housing number for each game are displayed. Specifically, the determination result display area 62 includes determination result display areas 62 a to 62 c. In the determination result display areas 62 a, 62 b and 63 c, whether or not the number group on which the player bets coincides with the ball housing number is displayed for the first-last, second-last and third-last roulette games, respectively. Note that, if the number group coincides with the ball housing number, a word “OK” is displayed, and, if otherwise, a word “NG” is displayed.

In the special game bet number display area 63, the number of medals bet on the special game by the player is displayed. The special game bet buttons 64 and 64 a to 64 c are used to bet medals on the special game and will be concretely described later. In the payback medal number display area 70, the number of medals to be paid back in the special game is displayed.

Below the bet operation panel 60, a result history display unit 65, bet unit determination buttons 66A to 66D, a base game bet button 66E, a payback medal number display area 67 and a credit number display unit 68 are displayed.

In the result history display unit 65, the ball housing number is displayed for each of three preceding roulette games from the current game. Specifically, the result history display unit 65 includes result history display units 65 a to 65 c. The result history display units 65 a, 65 b and 65 c display the ball housing numbers in the first-last, second-last and third-last roulette games, respectively.

The bet unit determination buttons 66A to 66D are used to set the number of medals to be bet as one unit. The number of medals to be bet as one unit will be described later. Each of the numbers drawn on the bet unit determination buttons 66A to 66D indicates the number of medals to be bet as one unit, which is set by pressing each of the buttons. For example, by pressing the bet unit determination button 66A, the player sets the number of medals to be bet as one unit to “1”. In an initial mode, the number of medals to be bet as one unit is set to “1”. In the payback medal number display area 67, the number of medals to be paid back in the base game is displayed.

In the credit number display unit 68, the total number of medals inserted into the station 4 by the player (hereinafter also referred to as a “total credit number”) is displayed. The total credit number is reduced by 1 every time one medal is bet by the player. Moreover, when the medals are to be paid back, the total credit number is increased by the number of medals paid back.

Moreover, a BET time display unit 69 is provided above the bet operation panel 60. The BET time display unit 69 displays remaining time for which the player can make bets. In the BET time display unit 69, “20” is displayed when acceptance of bets is started. Thereafter, the number is reduced by 1 every second and the acceptance of bets is finished when the number reaches “0”. Moreover, when the time for which the player can make bets at each of the stations 4 has 5 seconds to go, the ball throw-in device is driven to throw the ball 27 onto a roulette board.

Moreover, to the right of the BET time display unit 69, provided are: a MEGA display unit 73 for displaying the number of credits for MEGA, in other words, a MEGA credit number; a MAJOR display unit 74 for displaying the number of credits for MAJOR, in other words, a MAJOR credit number; and a MINI display unit 75 for displaying the number of credits for MINI, in other words, a MINI credit number. The numbers displayed on the MEGA display unit 73, the MAJOR display unit 74 and the MINI display unit 75 are common to all the stations 4.

When any of the JP credits are paid out, an initial value (200 credits for “MINI”, 5000 credits for “MAJOR” and 50000 credits for “MEGA”) is displayed on the display unit corresponding to the JP credits paid out.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, a bet method will be described. Note that, in FIGS. 4 to 11, numbers that should be displayed on the BET screen 61 may be omitted for convenience of description. The game machine 1 provides the player with two kinds of roulette games, more specifically, a base game and a special game. The base game is a game for determining whether or not to payout medals to the player after one roulette game is finished. The special game is a game for determining whether or not to payout medals to the player after three roulette games are finished.

The player bets medals on the base game in the following manner. Specifically, while pressing the base game bet button 66E, the player predicts the ball housing number for the next roulette game and determines, based on the prediction, a number group on which he/she wishes to bet medals (hereinafter also referred to as a “base desired number group”) and the number of medals to be bet on the number group (hereinafter also referred to as a “base desired medal number”). Thereafter, the player presses the panel or the frame border 60 b corresponding to the base desired number group (hereinafter also referred to as a “base desired panel”) on the bet operation panel 60. Thus, the base desired number group is inputted. On the panel or the frame border 60 b that is pressed by the player, as shown in FIG. 5, a base chip 71 is displayed. In a center of the base chip 71, a number is displayed, which indicates the total number of medals bet on the panel or the frame border 60 b. The number displayed on the base chip 71 is increased by the currently set number of medals to be bet as one unit every time the panel is pressed by the player. Specifically, the player allows the number displayed on the base chip 71 to coincide with the base desired medal number by pressing the base desired panel while accordingly changing the number of medals to be bet as one unit. Thus, the base desired medal number is inputted. For example, in FIG. 5, 10 medals are bet on the number group “28”. Note that the player can input a plurality of base desired number groups. In this case, the player also inputs the base desired medal number for each of the base desired number groups inputted.

Meanwhile, the player bets medals on the special game in the following manner. Specifically, while pressing the special game bet button 64, the player predicts the ball housing number for each of three roulette games to be executed and determines, based on the prediction, three number groups on which he/she wishes to bet medals. Furthermore, the player determines the number of medals to be bet on the special game (hereinafter also referred to as a “special desired medal number”). Hereinafter, a number group determined for a first roulette game will also be referred to as a “first special desired number group”, a number group determined for a second roulette game will also be referred to as a “second special desired number group”, and a number group determined for a third roulette game will also be referred to as a “third special desired number group”. Note that the first roulette game is one first executed after the medals are bet on the special game, the second roulette game is one executed after the first roulette game, and the third roulette game is one executed after the second roulette game.

When the special game bet button 64 is pressed by the player, the currently set number of medals to be bet as one unit is displayed in the special game bet number display area 63. The number displayed in the special game bet number display area 63 is increased by the currently set number of medals to be bet as one unit every time the special game bet button 64 is pressed by the player. Specifically, the player allows the number displayed in the special game bet number display area 63 to coincide with the special desired medal number by pressing the special game bet button 64 while accordingly changing the number of medals to be bet as one unit. Thus, the special desired medal number is inputted.

Meanwhile, the player presses the special game bet button 64 a after pressing the special game bet button 64 and presses the panel or the frame border 60 b corresponding to the first special desired number group on the bet operation panel 60. Thus, the first special desired number group is inputted. On the panel or the frame border 60 b, as shown in FIG. 5, a special chip 72 a is displayed.

Meanwhile, the player presses the special game bet button 64 b after pressing the special game bet button 64 and presses the panel or the frame border 60 b corresponding to the second special desired number group on the bet operation panel 60. Thus, the second special desired number group is inputted. On the panel or the frame border 60 b, as shown in FIG. 5, a special chip 72 b is displayed.

Meanwhile, the player presses the special game bet button 64 c after pressing the special game bet button 64 and presses the panel or the frame border 60 b corresponding to the third special desired number group on the bet operation panel 60. Thus, the third special desired number group is inputted. On the panel or the frame border 60 b, as shown in FIG. 5, a special chip 72 c is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 5, 100 medals are bet on the special game. Moreover, the special chip 72 a is displayed on the straight bet panel 60 a having “14” drawn thereon, the special chip 72 b is displayed on the column bet panel 60 c, and the special chip 72 c is displayed on the even bet panel 60 n.

In this way, each of the first to third special desired number groups is inputted by performing one bet operation (in other words, any one of the straight bet operation, the column bet operation, the dozen bet operation, the even bet operation, the split bet operation, the street bet operation, the corner bet operation, the five bet operation and the line bet operation). In the example described above, the first special desired number group is inputted by performing one “straight bet operation”, the second special desired number group is inputted by performing one “column bet operation”, and the third special desired number group is inputted by performing one “even bet operation”. Thus, the first to third special desired number groups are inputted by performing the three bet operations in total.

Next, a game flow will be described by taking, as an example, display screens shown in FIGS. 5 to 11. First, the player makes a bet shown in FIG. 5 before the bet time reaches “0”. Thereafter, a first roulette game is executed. When the ball housing number is set to “14” in this roulette game, a screen shown in FIG. 6 is displayed. As to the base game, since the number group inputted by the player does not include “14”, the number of medals to be paid back is set to “0”. Thus, “0” is displayed in the payback medal number display area 67. As to the special game, since the number group inputted by the player, in other words, the first special desired number group includes “14”, the first special desired number group coincides with the ball housing number. Thus, “OK” is displayed in the determination result display area 62 c. Meanwhile, “14” is displayed in the result history display unit 65 c. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7, the base chip 71 is deleted. Note that the special chips 72 a to 72 c are not deleted.

Thereafter, since the bet time is restored to “20”, the player makes a bet shown in FIG. 8 before the bet time reaches “0”. In FIG. 8, the player bets 10 medals on the number group including only “9” in the base game. Thereafter, a second roulette game is executed. When the ball housing number is set to “9” in this roulette game, a screen shown in FIG. 9 is displayed. As to the base game, since the number group inputted by the player includes “9”, the number of medals to be paid back is set to “350”. Therefore, “350” is displayed in the payback medal number display area 67 and the total credit number is increased by this number. The increased total credit number is displayed in the credit number display unit 68. As to the special game, since the number group inputted by the player, in other words, the second special desired number group includes “9”, the second special desired number group coincides with the ball housing number. Note that, in the case where the current point is set as a reference, the first roulette game turns out to be the second-last roulette game and the second roulette game turns out to be the first-last roulette game. Thus, “OK” is displayed in each of the determination result display areas 62 b and 62 c. Meanwhile, “14” is displayed in the result history display unit 65 b and “9” is displayed in the result history display unit 65 c. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the base chip 71 is deleted. Note that the special chips 72 a to 72 c are not deleted.

Subsequently, the bet time is restored to “20”. However, in this example, the player makes no bet on the base game. Thereafter, a third roulette game is executed. When the ball housing number is set to “1” in this roulette game, a screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed. As to the base game, since no bet is made on the base game by the player, the number of medals to be paid back is set to “0”. Thus, “0” is displayed in the payback medal number display area 67. As to the special game, since the number group inputted by the player, in other words, the third special desired number group includes “1”, the third special desired number group coincides with the ball housing number. Note that, in the case where the current point is set as a reference, the first roulette game turns out to be the third-last roulette games, the second roulette game turns out to be the second-last roulette game and the third roulette game turns out to be at least one of the previous roulette games. Thus, “OK” is displayed in each of the determination result display areas 62 a to 62 c. Hence since all the first to third special desired number groups coincide with the ball housing number, medals are paid out.

The number of medals to be paid back is determined based on the number of medals bet on the special game by the player, a correspondence table to be described later and breakdown of the bet operations (specifically, how many of which bet operations are performed to input the first to third special desired number groups).

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a roulette game machine according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, the game machine 1 includes the server 13, the plurality of (12 in this embodiment) stations 4, the roulette device 3 and the electronic display unit 5. The plurality of stations 4, the roulette device 3 and the electronic display unit 5 are connected to the server 13. Note that an internal configuration of the roulette device 3 and an internal configuration of each of the stations 4 will be described in detail later. A server control CPU 81 and a RAM 83 constitute a controller 109.

The server 13 includes the server control CPU 81 for controlling the entire server 13, a ROM 82, the RAM 83, a timer 84, a liquid crystal display 32 connected through a liquid crystal driving circuit 85, and a keyboard 33.

The server control CPU 81 performs various processing based on input signals supplied from the respective stations 4 and data or programs stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. Moreover, based on the results of the processing, the server control CPU 81 transmits a command signal to each of the stations 4. Thus, the server control CPU 81 mainly controls the stations 4, individually. Particularly, the server control CPU 81 transmits a control signal to the roulette device 3 and thus controls release of the ball 27 and rotation of the roulette wheel 22.

The ROM 82 is formed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like and stores a program for realizing basic functions of the game machine 1, a program for executing notification of time for maintenance as well as setting and management of notification conditions, a base payout rate (the number of credits to be paid out per 1 medal) used in a base game, a correspondence table used in a special game, a program for mainly controlling the stations 4 individually, and the like.

Meanwhile, the RAM 83 temporarily stores bet information supplied from all the stations 4, a ball housing number in the roulette device 3, which is determined by a sensor, the number of JP credits accumulated so far, data on the results of the processing executed by the server control CPU 81, and the like. Furthermore, the timer 84 for timing is connected to the server control CPU 81.

Moreover, the electronic display unit 5 (see FIG. 3) is connected to the server control CPU 81. Accordingly, an illumination effect is performed by controlling emission of an LED and the like. Moreover, predetermined characters and the like are displayed on the electronic display unit 5. Furthermore, the number of JP credits accumulated so far (the number of MEGA credits in this embodiment) is displayed, particularly, on the JP amount display unit 15 in the electronic display unit 5.

FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing storage areas in the ROM 82. As shown in FIG. 13, the storage areas in the ROM 82 include a payout credit storage area 82A for storing the base payout rate used in the base game and a correspondence table storage area 82B for storing the correspondence table used in the special game. As described above, the base payout rate varies according to the kind of the bet operation (for example, the straight bet operation).

FIG. 14 shows an example of the correspondence table. The correspondence table shows correspondence relationships among kinds of bet operations (denoted by A to I), special payout rates (payout amount data) and the number of the bet operations.

The bet operation A denotes the “straight bet operation”, the bet operation B denotes the “split bet operation” and the bet operation C denotes the “street bet operation”. The bet operation D denotes the “corner bet operation”, the bet operation E denotes the “five bet operation”, the bet operation F denotes the “line bet operation” and the bet operation G denotes the “column bet operation”. The bet operation H denotes the “dozen bet operation” and the bet operation I denotes the “even bet operation”.

According to the correspondence table, when all the first to third special desired number groups are inputted by performing the “straight bet operation”, three “straight bet operations” are performed. Thus, the special payout rate is set to “a”. Note that each of the special payout rate and the base payout rate is an integer of 1 or more. Meanwhile, when two of the first to third special desired number groups are inputted by performing the “straight bet operation” and the remaining one is inputted by performing the “street bet operation”, the special payout rate is set to “c”. Note that the special payout rate is determined, for example, in the following manner. Specifically, for each of the bet operations corresponding to the special payout rate, the base payout rate corresponding to the bet operation is multiplied by itself for the number of times equivalent to the number of the bet operations and the values thus obtained are multiplied. For example, as the special payout rate a, the base payout rate “35” corresponding to the “straight bet operation” is multiplied by itself for the number of times equivalent to the number of the “straight bet operations”, in other words, “3” to obtain “42875” (=35×35×35). Moreover, the special payout rate b is obtained in the following manner. Specifically, first, the base payout rate “35” corresponding to the “straight bet operation” is multiplied by itself for the number of times equivalent to the number of the “straight bet operations”, in other words, “2” to obtain “1225” (=35×35). Next, the base payout rate “17” corresponding to the “split bet operation” is multiplied by itself for the number of times equivalent to the number of the “split bet operations”, in other words, “1” to obtain “17”. Thereafter, the values “1225” and “17” thus obtained are multiplied to obtain “20825” (=35×35×17).

The server control CPU 81 determines the special payout rate based on breakdown of the bet operations (specifically, how many of which bet operations are performed to input the first to third special desired number groups) and multiplies the determined special payout rate by the number of medals bet on the special game by the player to determine the number of medals to be paid out in the special game.

FIG. 15 is a schematic view showing storage areas in the RAM 83. As shown in FIG. 15, the storage areas in the RAM 83 include: a bet information storage area 83A for storing information on bets made by the player currently playing the game; a game outcome data storage area 83B for storing a ball housing number in the roulette device 3, which is determined by the ball sensor 105; a “MINI” JP accumulation storage area 83C for storing the number of MINI credits; a “MAJOR” JP accumulation storage area 83D for storing the number of MAJOR credits; a “MEGA” JP accumulation storage area 83E for storing the number of MEGA credits; and a k and n storage area 83F for storing integers k and m.

In the bet information storage area, kinds of the stations 4 and the bet information are stored in association with each other. The bet information includes a base desired number group, a base desired medal number corresponding to the base desired number group, first to third special desired number groups and a special desired medal number. The first to third special desired number groups are game outcomes inputted for a plurality of roulette games, respectively. Thus, in the RAM 83, the game outcomes inputted by use of the touch panel 50 for the plurality of roulette games, respectively, are stored in association with the respective roulette games. The ball housing numbers are stored in association with the plurality of roulette games. Specifically, an identification number is set for each of the roulette games, and the identification number and the ball housing number are stored in association with each other. Here, the ball housing number indicates the game outcome of the roulette game. Therefore, in the RAM 83, actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games, respectively, are stored in association with the plurality of roulette games. The integers k and n are used in the special game. An initial value of each of the integers k and n is “1” and is prepared for each of the stations 4.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the roulette device 3 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 16, the roulette device 3 includes a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, the pocket position detection circuit 107, the ball throw-in device 104, the ball sensor 105, the wheel driving motor 106 and a ball recovery unit 108.

The CPU 101 controls release of the ball 27 and rotation of the roulette wheel 22 based on the control signal supplied from the server 13 or data and programs stored in the ROM 102 and the RAM 103.

FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing storage areas in the ROM 102. As shown in FIG. 17, a control data storage area 102A is provided in the ROM 102. In the control data storage area 102A, data required to control the roulette device 3 is stored.

The pocket position detection circuit 107 includes the proximity sensor to detect a position of the roulette wheel 22 based on whether or not the metal plates attached to the roulette wheel 22 are detected. The pocket position detection circuit 107 outputs a detection signal associated with the detection result to the CPU 101.

The ball throw-in device 104 is for throwing the ball 27 onto the roulette wheel 22 from the ball throw-in slot 36 (see FIG. 2). The ball sensor 105 is for determining a ball housing pocket. The wheel driving motor 106 rotates the roulette wheel 22. The ball recovery unit 108 recovers the ball 27 on the roulette wheel 22 after the game is finished.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the station according to this embodiment. Note that the twelve stations 4 basically have the same configuration. Thus, the following description is given by taking one of the stations 4 as an example.

As shown in FIG. 18, the station 4 includes a station controller 90 including a station control CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 is formed of, for example, a semiconductor memory or the like and stores a program for realizing basic functions of the station 4, various other programs required to control the station 4, a data table, and the like. Moreover, the RAM 93 stores a total credit number, a base desired number group, a base desired medal number corresponding to the base desired number group, first to third special desired number groups and a special desired medal number. An initial value of the total credit number is “0”.

Moreover, a BET confirmation button 47, a payback button 48 and a help button 49, which are provided in the control part 7 (see FIG. 3), are connected to each of the station controls CPU 91.

The BET confirmation button 47 is pressed to confirm a bet after a bet operation is performed by use of the image display device 8. The payback button 48 is usually pressed when a game is finished. When the payback button 48 is pressed, medals equivalent to the total credit number are paid back from the medal payout opening 9. The help button 49 is pressed when the player has questions about a method for operating the game and the like. When the help button 49 is pressed, a help screen showing information on various operations is immediately displayed on the image display device 8.

In response to operation signals outputted by pressing or the like of the respective buttons, the station control CPU 91 performs control for executing various operations corresponding thereto. To be more specific, based on an input signal supplied from the control part 7 upon receipt of the operation by the player as well as the data and programs stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, the station control CPU 91 executes various processing and transmits results thereof to the server control CPU 81.

Moreover, the station control CPU 91 receives the command signal from the server control CPU 81, controls the peripheral devices included in the station 4 and thus allows the game to proceed at the station 4. Moreover, the station control CPU 91 executes various processing based on the input signal supplied from the control part 7 upon receipt of the operation by the player as well as the data and programs stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93. Moreover, based on the results of the processing, the station control CPU 91 controls the peripheral devices included in the station 4 and allows the game to proceed.

Moreover, a hopper 94 is connected to the station control CPU 91. Based on a command signal from the station control CPU 91, the hopper 94 pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medal payout opening 9 (see FIG. 3).

Furthermore, the image display device 8 is connected to the station control CPU 91 through a liquid crystal driving circuit 95. The liquid crystal driving circuit 95 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor) and a video RAM. The program ROM stores an image control program concerning display on the image display device 8 and various selection tables. The image ROM stores, for example, dot data for forming an image to be displayed on the image display device 8. The image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on the image display device 8 out of the dot data previously stored in the image ROM according to the image control program previously stored in the program ROM based on parameters set by the station control CPU 91. The work RAM is configured to be a temporary storage device when the image control program is executed by the image control CPU. The VDP forms an image corresponding to display contents determined by the image control CPU and outputs the image to the image display device 8. Note that the video RAM is configured to be a temporary storage device when the image is formed by the VDP.

Moreover, the touch panel 50 is attached to the front surface of the image display device 8 as described above and information about operations on the touch panel 50 is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. The player inputs the base desired number group and the like by use of the touch panel 50 and the BET screen 61. The touch panel 50 transmits the inputted base desired number group and the like to the station control CPU 91. The station control CPU 91 stores the received information in the RAM 93 and transmits the stored information to the server control CPU 81. The server control CPU 81 stores the information transmitted from the station control CPU 91 in the bet information storage area 83A in the RAM 83.

Furthermore, a sound output circuit 96 and the speaker 10 are connected to the station control CPU 91. The speaker 10 generates various sound effects when various effects are performed based on output signals from the sound output circuit 96.

Moreover, a medal sensor 97 is connected to the station control CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 6 (see FIG. 3), calculates the inserted medals and transmits the calculation result to the station control CPU 91. The station control CPU 91 increases the total credit number stored in the RAM 93 based on the received signal.

Moreover, the WIN lamp 11 is connected to the station control CPU 91. The station control CPU 91 turns on the WIN lamp 11 in a predetermined color when the base desired number group coincides with the ball housing number, when all the first to third special desired number groups coincide with an actual ball housing number and when a JP is won.

The processing performed by the game machine 1 is classified into two kinds of processing, including server side game processing executed by the server control CPU 81 included in the game machine 1 and station side game processing executed by the station control CPU 91.

With reference to FIGS. 19 to 21, description will be given of the server side game processing executed by the server control CPU 81 and the station side game processing executed by the station control CPU 91. FIGS. 19 to 21 are flowcharts showing the processing performed by the game machine 1 according to this embodiment.

First, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the station side game processing will be described. In Step S11, the station control CPU 91 determines whether or not medals or coins are inserted by the player, based on the detection signal from the medal sensor 97. The station control CPU 91 advances to Step S11-1 if no medals or coins are inserted (Step S11: NO) and advances to Step S12 if medals or coins are inserted (Step S11: YES).

In Step S11-1, the station control CPU 91 determines whether or not a condition that the total credit number is 1 or more is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the station control CPU 91 advances to Step S13, and, if not, the station control CPU 91 advances to Step S11.

In Step S12, the station control CPU 91 increases the total credit number by the number of medals or coins inserted.

In Step S13, the station control CPU 91 transmits a medal detection signal to the effect that the total credit number is 1 or more.

In Step S14, the station control CPU 91 displays the BET screen 61 on the image display device 8 at the station 4. Next, in Step S15, the station control CPU 91 starts counting bet time and accepting inputs made by use of the touch panel 50. The player who has joined the game inputs a base desired number group, a base desired medal number corresponding to the base desired number group, first to third special desired number groups and a special desired medal number by use of the touch panel 50 during the bet time. The inputted information is transmitted to the station control CPU 91 and the station control CPU 91 stores the received information as the bet information in the RAM 93. Thereafter, the station control CPU 91 reduces the total credit number by the base desired medal number and the special desired medal number.

The station control CPU 91 displays on the image display device 8 an image corresponding to the inputted information. For example, in the case where the base desired number group and the base desired medal number are inputted, the image display device 8 displays, under the control of the station control CPU 91, a base chip 71 having the base desired medal number drawn thereon at a position corresponding to the base desired number group.

The player can also join in the middle of the game after the bet time starts. Up to 12 players can play with the game machine 1 according to this embodiment. Furthermore, if the current game is played subsequent to the previous game, acceptance of a bet operation is started immediately after the previous game is finished.

In Step S16, upon receipt of a bet time end signal to the effect that the bet time is over from the server control CPU 81, the station control CPU 91 displays an image indicating that the bet time is over on the image display device 8 at the station 4 and terminates the acceptance of inputs made by use of the touch panel 50 (Step S17). Thereafter, the station control CPU 91 adds identification information for distinguishing the own station from the other stations 4 to the bet information stored in the RAM 93 and transmits the information to the server control CPU 81 (Step S18).

Next, in Step S19, the station control CPU 91 receives from the server 13 determination results of JP bonus game determination processing to be described later, which is executed by the server control CPU 81. The JP bonus game determination results include: a result of determination of whether or not to execute a predetermined JP bonus game at each station 4; a result of determination of whether or not to payout JP credits; a result of determination concerning to which one of the twelve stations 4 the JP credits will be paid out; and a result of determination concerning which JP credits will be paid out.

Next, in Step S20 in FIG. 20, the station control CPU 91 determines whether or not to execute a JP bonus game based on the results of the JP bonus game determination processing, which are received in Step S19. If it is determined that the JP bonus game is to be executed, the station control CPU 91 advances to Step S21. On the other hand, if it is determined that the JP bonus game is not to be executed, the station control CPU 91 advances to Step S22.

In Step S21, the station control CPU 91 executes a predetermined selective JP bonus game associated with acquisition of a JP and displays the game outcome (whether or not the JP has been acquired, in other words, whether or not the JP credits are to be paid out) on the image display device 8 based on the determination results received in Step S19. Thereafter, the station control CPU 91 advances to Step S22.

In Step S22, the station control CPU 91 receives processing result information transmitted from the server control CPU 81. Note that the processing result information includes any of the number of medals to be paid out in the base game, the number of medals to be paid out in the special game and information on determination of whether or not the n-th special desired number group coincides with the current ball housing number (this information is generated in Step S112-3 or Step S112-4 to be described later).

Next, in Step S23, the station control CPU 91 pays out the medals based on the determination results received in Step S19 and the processing result information received in Step S22. To be more specific, the station control CPU 91 stores in the RAM 93 the number of medals to be paid out in each of the base game and the special game and the number of JP credits to be paid out. At the same time, the station control CPU 91 adds the number of medals and the number of JP credits to the total credit number. When the payback button 48 is pressed, the medals equivalent to the total credit number are paid back from the medal payout opening 9. Thereafter, the station control CPU 91 changes the display screen. For example, the station control CPU 91 deletes the base chip 71 and changes the contents displayed in the determination result display area 62, the result history display unit 65 and the payback medal number display areas 67 and 70. Subsequently, the station control CPU 91 returns to Step S11.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 19 and 20, the server side game processing will be described. First, in Step S101, the server control CPU 81 stands by until the medal detection signal transmitted from the station control CPU 91 is received. If the server control CPU 81 receives the medal detection signal from any one of the station control CPUs 91, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S102.

In Step S102, the server control CPU 81 starts counting the bet time once medals or coins are inserted by the player who has joined the game first. The bet time is time during which the player can make bets. The player who has joined the game can bet his/her own chips on a BET area 72 corresponding to the number he/she predicts by operating the touch panel 50 during the bet time.

Next, in Step S103, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not the bet time has 5 seconds to go. Note that the remaining bet time is displayed on the BET time display unit 69 (see FIG. 4). If it is determined that the remaining bet time does not reach 5 seconds, the server control CPU 81 returns the processing to Step S103. On the other hand, if it is determined that the bet time has 5 seconds to go, the server control CPU 81 advances the processing to Step S104.

In Step S104, the server control CPU 81 determines an identification number for a roulette game to be executed this time. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 transmits to the CPU 101 in the roulette device 3 a control signal for allowing the roulette device 3 to start its operations. Upon receipt of the control signal, the CPU 101 rotates the roulette wheel 22 and releases the ball 27 toward the roulette wheel 22. The roulette device 3 stops the roulette wheel 22 after certain time has passed since start of rotation of the roulette wheel 22.

In Step S105, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not the bet time is over. When it is determined that the bet time is not over, the server control CPU 81 waits for the bet time to be over.

Meanwhile, when it is determined that the bet time is over, the server control CPU 81 transmits to the station control CPU 91 a bet time end signal indicating that the bet time is over (Step S106).

In Step S107, the server control CPU 81 receives information on a bet made by the player at each of the stations 4 from the station control CPU 91 and stores the bet information in the bet information storage area 83A in the RAM 83.

Next, in Step S108, based on the bet information stored in the bet information storage area 83A, the server control CPU 81 performs the following processing. Specifically, the server control CPU 81 obtains the base desired medal numbers at all the stations 4 and adds up these numbers. Thereafter, the server control CPU 81 cumulatively adds the medal number equivalent to 0.30% of the value obtained as described above (hereinafter referred to as a “total medal number”) to the MINI credit number in the RAM 83, cumulatively adds the medal number equivalent to 0.20% of the total medal number to the MAJOR credit number and cumulatively adds the medal number equivalent to 0.15% of the total medal number to the MEGA credit number. Moreover, the server control CPU 81 updates the display on the JP amount display unit 15 based on the MEGA credit number. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 transmits JP update information concerning the JP credit numbers to the respective stations 4. The station control CPU 91 updates the contents displayed in the MEGA display unit 73, the MAJOR display unit 74 and the MINI display unit 75 based on the JP update information.

Next, in Step S109, the server control CPU 81 performs the JP bonus game determination processing. In this processing, the server control CPU 81 uses a random number sampled by a sampling circuit or the like to determine whether or not to execute a JP bonus game at each of the stations 4. If the JP bonus game is to be executed, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not to payout the JP credits. If it is determined that the JP credits are to be paid out, the server control CPU 81 determines at which one of the twelve stations 4 the JP credits will be paid out and further determines which JP credits will be paid out.

Next, in Step S110, the server control CPU 81 transmits the result of the JP bonus game determination to each of the stations 4 based on the processing in Step S109.

Thereafter, in Step S111 in FIG. 20, the server control CPU 81 drives the ball sensor 105 by transmitting a control signal to the roulette device 3. The ball sensor 105 detects a ball housing pocket and outputs a detection signal concerning the detection result to the server control CPU 81. The server control CPU 81 determines a ball housing number based on the detection signal received from the ball sensor 105. The server control CPU 81 stores, in the game outcome data storage area 83B, the ball housing number and the identification number determined in Step S104 so as to correspond to each other.

Next, the server control CPU 81 performs the processing from Step S112 to Step S116 for each of the stations 4. The processing from Step S112 to Step S116 is performed for each of the stations 4 based on information corresponding to each of the stations 4 among the information stored in the RAM 83. For example, the processing from Step S112 to Step S116 for one of the stations 4 is performed based on information corresponding to the station 4 among the information stored in the RAM 83.

In Step S112, the server control CPU 81 performs special game determination processing shown in FIG. 21. In this processing, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not to payout medals in the special game, and the like.

In Step S113, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not a condition that the base desired number group coincides with the current ball housing number is satisfied (more specifically, a condition that the ball housing number is included in the base desired number group). If the condition is satisfied, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S114, and, if not, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S115.

In Step S114, the server control CPU 81 determines a base payout rate based on the base desired number group and determines the number of medals to be paid out in the base game, multiplying the base desired medal number corresponding to the base desired number group by the determined base payout rate.

In Step S115, the server control CPU 81 sets the number of medals to be paid out in the base game to “0”.

Note that, if there is more than one base desired number group, the server control CPU 81 performs the processing from Step S113 to S115 for each of the base desired number groups. Thereafter, the server control CPU 81 determines the number of medals to be paid out in the base game by adding up the medal numbers obtained by each processing.

In Step S116, the server control CPU 81 outputs processing result information to the station 4. Here, the processing result information includes any of the number of medals to be paid out in the base game, the number of medals to be paid out in the special game and information on determination (this information is generated in Step S112-3 or Step S112-4 to be described later), which is determination of whether or not the n-th special desired number group coincides with the current ball housing number (in other words, the ball housing number in the roulette game executed by the server side game processing this time).

In Step S117, the server control CPU 81 recovers the ball 27. Thereafter, the server control CPU 81 terminates the server side game processing.

Next, with reference to FIG. 21, the special game determination processing will be described. In Step S112-1, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not a condition that first to third special desired number groups exist (in other words, are stored in the RAM 83) is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S112-2, and, if not, the server control CPU 81 terminates the special game determination processing.

In Step S112-2, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not a condition that the n-th special desired number group coincides with the current ball housing number is satisfied (more specifically, a condition that the current ball housing number is included in the n-th special desired number group). If the condition is satisfied, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S112-3, and, if not, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S112-4.

In Step S112-3, the server control CPU 81 generates determination information to the effect that the n-th special desired number group coincides with the current ball housing number. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 increases the value of k by 1.

In Step S112-4, the server control CPU 81 generates determination information to the effect that the n-th special desired number group does not coincide with the current ball housing number.

In Step S112-5, the server control CPU 81 increases the value of n by 1.

In Step S112-6, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not a condition that the value of n is 3 is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S112-7, and, if not, the server control CPU 81 terminates the special game determination processing.

In Step S112-7, the server control CPU 81 determines whether or not a condition that the value of k is 3 is satisfied. If the condition is satisfied, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S112-8, and, if not, the server control CPU 81 advances to Step S112-9.

In Step S112-8, since all the first to third special desired number groups coincide with the ball housing numbers related to the first to third special desired number groups, the server control CPU 81 determines the number of medals to be paid out in the special game based on breakdown of the bet operations, the correspondence table shown in FIG. 14 and the special desired medal number. To be more specific, the server control CPU 81 determines the breakdown of the bet operations based on the bet information and determines a special payout rate based on the determined breakdown of the bet operations and the correspondence table. The server control CPU 81 determines the number of medals to be paid out in the special game by multiplying the determined special payout rate by the special desired medal number. The server control CPU 81 restores the values of k and n to the initial values. Thereafter, the server control CPU 81 terminates the special game determination processing.

In Step S112-9, since any of the first to third special desired number groups does not coincide with the ball housing number related to the number group (in other words, the ball housing number is not included in the number group), the server control CPU 81 sets “0” as the number of medals to be paid out in the special game. The server control CPU 81 restores the values of k and n to the initial values. Thereafter, the server control CPU 81 terminates the special game determination processing.

As described above, the game machine 1 provides the special game different from the base game. Thus, new entertainment properties are imparted.

The game machine 1 has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, for each of the plurality of roulette games, it is determined whether or not each of the game outcomes inputted coincides with the actual game outcome. Thereafter, medals are paid out based on the determination result. Particularly, in the special game, no medals are paid out if even one of the first to third special desired number groups does not coincide with the actual ball housing number. Thus, the player can enjoy the game more thrilling than the base game.

Furthermore, the game machine 1 determines the number of medals to be paid out in the special game based on the correspondence table. Thus, the number of medals can be quickly determined.

Modified Example 1

In Modified Example 1, first and second special desired number groups are inputted by the player and, when all of these number groups coincide with an actual ball housing number, medals are paid out. The effects described above can also be achieved in Modified Example 1.

Modified Example 2

In Modified Example 2, medals are paid out when two or more of first to third special desired number groups coincide with an actual ball housing number. In Modified Example 2, an effect that chances of paying out medals to the player are further increased can be achieved. Furthermore, Modified Example 2 has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, the medals are paid out when two or more of the first to third special desired number groups coincide with the actual ball housing number.

Modified Example 3

In Modified Example 3, when all of first to third special desired number groups coincide with an actual ball housing number, the number of medals to be paid out in the special game is randomly determined. For example, the game machine 1 determines a special payout rate based on a random number and determines the number of medals to be paid out in the special game based on the special payout rate.

Modified Example 3 enables the player to have expectation and anxiety about how many medals he/she can get this time. As a result, the player's interest in the roulette game can be maintained. Furthermore, Modified Example 3 has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, when all the first to third special desired number groups coincide with the actual ball housing number, the number of medals to be paid out in the special game is randomly determined.

Modified Example 4

In Modified Example 4, the number of medals to be paid out in the special game varies. Moreover, in Modified Example 4, when one or more of first to third special desired number groups coincide with an actual ball housing number, medals are paid out. For example, the game machine 1 sets the medal numbers for “MINI”, “MAJOR” and “MEGA”. When one of the first to third special desired number groups coincides with the actual ball housing number, medals equivalent to the medal number for “MINI” are paid out. When two of the first to third special desired number groups coincide with the actual ball housing number, medals equivalent to the medal number for “MAJOR” are paid out. When all of the first to third special desired number groups coincide with the actual ball housing number, medals equivalent to the medal number for “MEGA” are paid out. Here, as the relation among the medal numbers, the medal number for “MINI”<the medal number for “MAJOR”<the medal number for “MEGA” is established. The number of medals to be paid out in the special game may vary according to a certain rule (in addition to the above example, a conceivable rule is, for example, for paying out a predetermined % of the JP credit number (this value varies, for example, according to the number of groups that coincide with the actual ball housing number)), or may randomly vary.

Modified Example 4 enables the player to have expectation and anxiety about how many medals he/she can get this time. As a result, the player's interest in the roulette game can be maintained. Moreover, in Modified Example 4, an effect that chances of paying out medals to the player are further increased can be achieved. Furthermore, Modified Example 4 has the following new entertainment properties. Specifically, when one or more of the first to third special desired number groups coincide with the actual ball housing number, medals are paid out and the number of medals varies.

Although the game machine 1 and the method for controlling the game machine 1 according to the present invention have been described above based on the embodiment shown in the drawings, the present invention is not limited thereto. The configurations of the respective parts can be replaced by any configurations having similar functions. For example, the number of the special desired number groups may be set to be any number, rather than 3 or 2.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present invention is utilized in a field of gaming machines. 

1. A game machine comprising: a game execution device executing a unit game to obtain a game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the unit game; an input device for inputting a predicted game outcome from among the predetermined game outcomes, before the unit game starts; and a controller operable to: a) control the game execution device to repeatedly execute the unit game; b) store the predicted game outcomes for the plurality of unit games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of unit games, respectively; c) store actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of unit games, in association with the plurality of unit games, respectively; d) determine, whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of unit games; and e) provide an award based on the determination result.
 2. A game machine comprising: a roulette device executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; an input device for inputting a predicted game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; and a controller operable to: a) control the roulette device to repeatedly execute the roulette game; b) store the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; c) store actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; d) determine, each of the plurality of roulette games, whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome; and e) provide an award based on the determination result.
 3. A game machine comprising: a roulette device executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; an input device for inputting, a predicted game outcomes from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; a correspondence table showing a correspondence relationship between each of the predicted game outcomes inputted by the input device, and a data concerning levels of awards to be provided and a controller operable to: a) control the roulette device to repeatedly execute the roulette game; b) store the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; c) store actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; d) determine whether or not the predicted game outcomes inputted by the input device coincide with the actual game outcomes for each of the plurality of roulette games; e) determine an award to be provided based on the determination result and the correspondence table; and f) provide the determined award.
 4. A game machine comprising: a roulette device executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; an input device for inputting, a predicted game outcomes from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; and a controller operable to: a) control the roulette device to repeatedly execute the roulette game; b) store the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with a plurality of the roulette games, respectively; c) store actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; d) determine whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of roulette games; e) randomly determine a level of an award to be provided based on the determination result; and f) provide the determined award.
 5. A method for controlling a game machine, comprising: repeatedly executing a unit game to obtain a game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes; enabling an input device to be used to input a predicted game outcome from among the predetermined game outcomes before the unit game starts; storing the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of unit games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of unit games, respectively; storing actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of unit games in association with the plurality of unit games, respectively; determining, whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of unit games; and providing an award based on the determination result.
 6. A method for controlling a game machine, comprising: repeatedly executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; enabling an input device to be used to input a predicted game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; storing the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; storing actual game outcomes respectively obtained from the plurality of roulette games, in association with the plurality of roulette games; determining, for each of the plurality of roulette games, whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome; and providing an award based on the determination result.
 7. A method for controlling a game machine, comprising: repeatedly executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; enabling an input device to be used to input a predicted game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game, before the roulette game starts; storing the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; storing actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; determining whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of roulette games; determining a level of an award to be provided based on the determination result and a correspondence table showing a correspondence relationship between each of the game outcomes inputted by use of the input device, and the level of the award to be provided; and providing the determined award.
 8. A method for controlling a game machine, comprising: repeatedly executing a roulette game in which, while a roulette wheel including a plurality of pockets with respective numbers previously attached thereto is rotated, a ball is launched onto the roulette wheel and then is received in any one of the pockets afterward; enabling an input device to be used to input a predicted game outcome from among predetermined game outcomes of the roulette game before the roulette game starts; storing the predicted game outcomes of the plurality of roulette games inputted by the input device, in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; storing actual game outcomes obtained from the plurality of roulette games in association with the plurality of roulette games, respectively; determining whether or not the predicted game outcome inputted by the input device coincides with the actual game outcome, for each of the plurality of roulette games; randomly determining a level of an award to be provided based on the determination result; and providing the determined award. 